DEFENCE – CBW & IRAQ
– 19 July 1999

Dr Julian Lewis: The Secretary of State is well aware that I support the Government's tough line on Saddam Hussein, but I am doubtful as to the efficacy of air power alone in combating his chemical and biological warfare capabilities. In the light of the lessons of the conflict in Kosovo, and the limitations shown by that conflict as to the ability of air power alone to ensure the destruction of individual hardened targets, has the Secretary of State made any reassessments? What lessons has he drawn as to the efficacy of using air power alone to degrade Saddam Hussein's chemical and biological warfare capabilities?